Double chance for Ives

THE fact that the Hunts Senior Cup final will once again not be staged at a big venue comes as a massive disappointment to St Ives Town joint-boss Jez Hall.

THE fact that the Hunts Senior Cup final will once again not be staged at a big venue comes as a massive disappointment to St Ives Town joint-boss Jez Hall.

Huntingdon Town’s Jubilee Park will host this season final between Ives and fellow UCL Premier outfit St Neots Town, the holders, on Monday, May 2.

And, without meaning any disrespect, Hall just feels it is a shame it won’t be played at a ground much higher up – although would acknowledge that Huntingdonshire’s highest level club is at Step five in non-league.

He said: “The Suffolk final is held at Ipswich Town, the Norfolk one is at Norwich City and I think even the Peterborough League final is at Peterborough United.

“I’ve said it before - it would just make it a bit more special if the final were to be held at say Cambridge United or even Cambridge City’s ground.”

But the Hunts final is one of two showpieces that Ives have to look forward to before the end of the season.

They also lock horns with Peterborough Northern Star a week later at Raunds Town in a bid to retain the UCL League Cup.

Ives beat Newport Pagnell 2-1 to claim the trophy almost a year ago and made it through to a second straight final following a 1-0 win over King’s Lynn Town at Westwood Road in the semi-final played last Thursday.

Scott Fielding hit the decisive goal into the roof of the net on 54 minutes, after Conor Washington accelerated past two defenders and cut the ball back into his path.

And a delighted Hall said: “Having made it to the UCL Cup final for the first time in the club’s history last year, it’s nice to have the chance to go and retain it.

“To beat King’s Lynn - or a team of that calibre - to get there was massive for us, especially given as though most of their big hitters were on by the end.”

Ives, who are mid-table in the UCL Premier, drew 1-1 at home with Northampton Spencer on Saturday.

Washington put St Ives into a 61st minute lead with a header from a Tom McGowan centre.

But, with three minutes remaining, Alex Deakin struck from close range to earn the Millers a point.

Saints are scheduled to host Desborough Town tonight (Tuesday) after which they have five league fixtures remaining, starting with a trip to Boston Town on Saturday.